American Idiot on PlogTV

American Idiot

By Nunny Reyes

American Idiot follows Johnny (John Gallagher, Jr. from Spring Awakening) and his friends, a group of young people trying to break free from the society they have grown to know and hate. These characters don’t want to slip between the cracks of our hypocritical society. The play highlights how easily someone can self-destruct when rules don’t apply anymore and freedom is taken in large doses. For example, Johnny meets a girl, Whatsername (Rebecca Naomi Jones from Passing Strange), and they choose drugs to enter an alternate world.

Those of us heading off to college or making a new life transition can easily relate to the difficulties Johnny and his friends face. We are afraid of looking back, but share the same passion to find an escape and discover something new about ourselves and the world. With music by Green Day, the cast fills the theater with unforgettable vocals. The elaborate set displays images, sounds and videos of events that have made a significant impact on our lives.

In theater, we expect to be challenged. American Idiot goes beyond that and truly depicts what life is like for teenagers in our time. With each passing song, the musical became more realistic and more truthful.

Read Nunny's Interview with John and Rebecca here

Read more about American Idiot here

TICKETS: $27 lottery rush • St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

by Nunny Reyes

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs truly unlike anything I have seen before. In theatre, it is natural to expect dialogue, a rising climax, and perhaps a twisted plot. While watching this dance performance, I realized that I needed to forget my expectations for a play when I watch dance. Dance is all about letting go and just being able to experience what is occurring onstage at that moment.

The show was broken up into three acts highlighting the advancements of African Americans and the Harlem Renaissance. The costumes were vibrant and the stage was constantly changing in order to depict a different street or a new jazz club.  Each performer looked physically different, but they were united when they danced. This was apparent in the dance of three Harlem Renaissance divas. The three divas each wore a different dress of black, gold or red. Although each diva had a different singing style and costume, the moment that the music began, they each expressed the same passion for dancing. Without missing a beat, these three powerful women made the stage theirs and invited those in the audience to clap and be a part of the performance as well.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is not your typical performance. The dancers were incredible and did a great job of making the audience feel connected to the show. Alvin Ailey is definitely a must see for all because it definitely takes you out of your comfort zone. There is not one message that the play tries to convince you off but instead it encourages you to enjoy the experience and forget the rules that once may have known about onstage performances.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: thru Jan 3rd • $10 student rush • W. 55th between 6th & 7th Ave.